COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets and particles released when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled or land on the eyes, nose, or mouth of others, leading to infection.

Symptoms of COVID-19

COVID-19 typically causes respiratory symptoms similar to a cold, flu, or pneumonia. Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell
• Congestion or a runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Symptoms typically last for one to three weeks, though some people can have longer-term effects — known as long COVID — which can persist for months. In some cases, COVID-19 can be fatal. The best way to protect yourself is through vaccination.

COVID-19 testing and treatment options

Over-the-counter tests are widely available at pharmacies and walk-in clinics. If you test positive, it's important to take action early.

If you test positive and are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications, call your doctor. If you have one or more risk factors for developing complications from COVID-19, treatment with Paxlovid may help reduce your chance of developing serious complications. Still, you need to start treatment early — within the first five to seven days of symptoms starting.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, based on individual decision-making (also known as shared clinical decision-making).

The CDC recommends that those at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19 infection strongly consider vaccination. Factors that increase risk include (but aren't limited to):

• Being ages 65 or older
• Asthma
• Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2)
• Heart disease (including heart failure and coronary artery disease)
• Obesity (BMI of 30+; for children, those in the 95th percentile or greater for BMI)
• Pregnancy
• Smoking (currently or in the past)
• Weakened immune system

The CDC also notes that premature babies (born before 37 weeks) are at higher risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization when they are between the ages of six and 23 months.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that all individuals 18 and older receive an updated COVID-19 shot each year. And the AAFP, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends COVID vaccinations for all infants and toddlers ages six months through 23 months due to their higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19 infection.

How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do I need?

The number of vaccine doses you need depends on your age, vaccination history, and whether you are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

For those who are not immunocompromised

If you're not immunocompromised, the number of vaccines you need depends on your age and whether you've been previously vaccinated. Here is the protocol the CDC recommends:

Ages 6 months through 23 months:

• Babies and toddlers who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine should get two doses of the latest COVID-19 shot.
• Parents and caregivers of babies and toddlers who completed the initial COVID-19 vaccine series the previous year should talk with their pediatrician.
  • The number of shots they need this year depends on which shot they received last year. (For this year, the only shot that is approved for this age group is the Moderna Spikevax vaccine.

Ages 2 years through 64 years

• There are four approved COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-2026 season.
  • Moderna (Spikevax)
  • Moderna (mNexspike)
  • Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty)
  • Novavax (Nuvaxovid)
• Which vaccines you are eligible for depends on your age.
  • Ages 2 years through 4 years: Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine only.
  • Ages 5-11: Moderna (Spikevax) or Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty).
  • Ages 12+: Any of the four vaccines.

Ages 65+

• Those 65 or older who have never been vaccinated should receive two doses of the vaccine this season.
• Those 65 or older who have previously been vaccinated can receive one or two doses. If opting for two vaccines, be aware that most require a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months between shots. (For the Moderna mNexspike, the minimum time between doses is three months.)

For those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised

The CDC guidance for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised is complex. You will generally need more shots to complete the initial series and more shots throughout each season than those who are not immunocompromised.

If you or a loved one falls into this category, consult with a healthcare provider or local pharmacist to help you understand what makes sense for you.

How often should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Non-immunocompromised people under the age of 65 should get the vaccine every year, ideally in the fall, around the time when you get your flu vaccine.

You do need to get the vaccine every year to remain protected. That's because the COVID-19 virus keeps mutating, and different variants will be circulating each year.

Those 65+ may want to receive a second vaccine during a given season. And for those who are immunocompromised, it's advised to receive more than one shot per season for maximum protection.

How can I schedule an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Good Neighbor Pharmacy is here to help you and your family stay protected. Use our store locator to find a participating pharmacy near you. Contact your local pharmacy for details on scheduling your vaccine appointment. Appointment processes may vary by location.